IBMS Council Meeting Summary - March 2025
A round-up of the topics discussed and decisions made at the IBMS Council meeting in March
The meeting took place in person on Friday 7th March at the IBMS offices in Coldbath Square, London and involved national and regional IBMS Council members and IBMS Executives. Chaired by Joanna Andrew, IBMS President, this is the summary of the discussions.
Royal Charter and Professional Recognition
Council reviewed options for further professional recognition of IBMS and its members, including the possibility of applying for Royal Charter status or seeking a Royal Patron. Following discussion exploring the benefits and potential issues, Council agreed that the best approach is to continue strengthening IBMS’s reputation and influence through professional advocacy, rather than pursuing a Charter at this time.
New CRM and Website Launch
The new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and website will soon enter the final phase of testing. These updates will improve member services, streamline education applications, and enhance the digital experience for IBMS members.
Council welcomed the news that testing is progressing well and agreed that members will be kept informed as the new systems prepare for launch.
Education and Professional Standards
Council received updates on several education and training initiatives, including:
- The development of top-up modules in key disciplines.
- The continued digitisation of the Specialist Portfolio, providing a more accessible format for learners.
- Ongoing work to ensure IBMS education pathways align with workforce needs.
Membership and Awards
Council approved the following:
- Two Life Membership awards and one Honorary Fellowship, which will be presented at the AGM.
- Plans to celebrate 50-year members at regional events.
- The roll-out of 25-year membership badges, with details to be shared with regional representatives.
New IBMS Research Project
Council approved plans for the next IBMS research project, focusing on the role of biomedical scientists in routine maternity care. This will follow the successful Bowel Cancer Patient Pathway report, highlighting the impact of biomedical scientists on patient outcomes.
Representation and Engagement
Council discussed IBMS’s growing role in shaping healthcare science policy. Recent activities include:
• A Parliamentary drop-in event, where IBMS representatives engaged with MPs on the importance of pathology in healthcare policy.
• Roundtable discussions with key industry partners to address challenges in diagnostics and workforce sustainability.
• Continued engagement with NHS England and other national bodies to promote the role of biomedical scientists.
Next Steps
Council remains committed to ensuring IBMS members are represented at every level of healthcare decision-making. The next meeting will take place on Friday 11th April 2025 via Microsoft Teams, with an in-person meeting planned for Friday 13th June in York, ahead of the AGM.